This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation when given together with carboplatin followed by chemoradiation in treating patients with recurrent head and neck cancer. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation, carboplatin, fluorouracil, and hydroxyurea, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Giving paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation followed by chemoradiation therapy may be an effective treatment for head and neck cancer.

PFS [ Time Frame: The time from the date of registration to the date of progressive disease or death, assessed up to 1 year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Statistical significance will be determined by a two-sided P value =< 0.05. Progression-free survival curves will be calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and median progression-free survival time, along with 90% confidence intervals will be derived using the procedure described in Brookmeyer and Crowley.

Overall survival [ Time Frame: The time from the date of registration to the date of death, assessed up to 1 year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Statistical significance will be determined by a two-sided P value =< 0.05. Overall survival curves will be calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and median overall survival time, along with 90% confidence intervals will be derived using the procedure described in Brookmeyer and Crowley.

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01847326